Camera Thermal Control via Dynamic Light Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras with internal assistant light sources face heat-related malfunctions due to excessive power consumption, limiting their light compensation effect and operational performance under low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that includes a thermal sensor and control unit to dynamically adjust the operation power of the assistant light source, ensuring it remains close to a default power threshold while maintaining internal temperatures within safe limits, thereby preventing overheating and enhancing light compensation and operational performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the operation power of the assistant light source is increased to enhance light compensation effect, then the light compensation performance is improved, but the internal temperature of the camera increases causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation power of the assistant light source adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the power level based on real-time temperature feedback from the temperature sensor, allowing the system to adapt between high power (for better light compensation) and low power (for temperature control) operating states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the internal temperature and feeds this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the assistant light source power accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances light compensation effectiveness with temperature management
2Reliability
If the operation power of the assistant light source is limited to a default power threshold to prevent overheating, then the temperature control is improved, but the light compensation effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static default power threshold to a dynamic power adjustment mechanism. The control unit modifies the operation power in real-time based on temperature conditions, enabling the assistant light source to operate at higher powers when temperature permits and at lower powers when temperature rises, thus optimizing both reliability and light compensation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (power level) of the assistant light source based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the power parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed threshold, the system achieves better light compensation when conditions allow while preventing overheating when temperature rises
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for flexible power adjustment, optimizing light compensation and preventing camera malfunctions by maintaining safe temperature levels, thus improving the camera's performance in low-light conditions without excessive heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal sensor is for performing temperature sensing and outputting a sensing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A camera and a control method thereof are provided. The camera includes a lens, one or more operation units, an image sensor, a thermal sensor, and a control unit. The image sensor is for receiving an image captured by the lens. The thermal sensor is for sensing and outputting the temperature inside the camera. An operation unit performs corresponding action according to an operation power. The control unit is configured to control the magnitude of the operation power of the operation unit(s) so that a monitoring power of the camera is close to but not greater than a default power threshold, and that the sensing temperature is less than or equal to a first default temperature threshold. Wherein, the monitoring power is the sum of the operation power of the operation unit(s). The sensed temperature corresponds to the operation power of the one or more operation units.